Sorry, Kero-chan. You’re cute and all, but fans of the classic anime are definitely going to eat you.
We recently stopped by the just-opened Cardcaptor Sakura Exhibition in Tokyo and found tons to be excited over, what with the abundant English descriptions of the pieces on display, real-life costumes for the beloved anime magical girl, and the giant Kero-chan plushie to pose for pictures with. And you know what? That’s still all only a third of the fun, because concurrent with the exhibition are a brand-new Cardcaptor Sakura restaurant and gift shop with exclusive merch.
After we’d seen the exhibits, our next stop was the adjacent Sakura Cafe & Parlor, which has a whole menu of dishes and drinks inspired by the landmark franchise. Being the incorrigible burger fans we are, we’re drawn to the Star Wand Burger (1,580 yen [US$14.10]), which is easily one of the cutest ground-beef sandwiches we’ve ever encountered.
Curry is another thing we’re constantly craving, so we’re also tempted by the Spinel Sun Curry (1,450 yen), which comes with chunks of beef and daikon radish pickles serving as the sour-expressioned character’s ears.
“Napolitan” refers to a Japanese style of spaghetti in which the noodles are accompanied by a sweet, ketchupy sauce and sliced wieners. The Kero-chan Takoyaki Napolitan (1,480 yen), though, also adds a takoyaki octopus dumpling, similar to the ones made by Japan’s tear-jerkingly kind Uncle Fist.
And if you need even more Kero-chan, or more curry, there’s the Kero-chan Steamed Bun (580 yen), filled with curry and garnished with cute and crisp tortilla chip ears.
As you might expect of a series with such exuberantly girlish aesthetics as Cardcaptor Sakura, there’s no shortage of themed desserts, with sweet-tooth-satisfying options including the elegant, variety-packed Sakura and Syaoran Dim Sum Set with Jasmine Tea (3,056 yen)…
…and the Dessert Friends Plate (1,980 yen) starring Kero-chan (mango pudding), Spinel Sun (cassis mousse), and Momo (panna cotta).
The drink lineup is similarly fancy, and can be enjoyed even by diners who’re as young as the elementary school-age Sakura herself, since they’re non-alcoholic cocktails based on the various magic cards she collects, enhanced with sweet syrup flavors such as matcha green tea and grenadine.
The gift shop also has a number of items to add a touch of the Cardcaptor world to your next meal, snack, or coffee break, like these beautiful tea containers.
You will, of course, need something to pour that tea into once you’ve made it, which is where this high-quality porcelain teacup and saucer set comes in.
There are also gorgeously illustrated plates, both for main dishes…
…and in smaller sizes for soy sauce or bite-sized morsels.
Headed out for a picnic? You can toss your food into in a Cardcaptor Sakura mini tote bag…
…and if you’re worried about a chill in the air while dining al fresco, you can snuggle up under a blanket adorned with best buds Sakura and Tomoyo.
Also, it wouldn’t be a Japanese fan event without gift cookies, which in this case are packaged in a box with the exhibition’s primary art piece, and feature Kero-chan’s smiling face on each munchable.
That’s not to say that everything in the gift shop is food-related, though. You’ll also find an array of plastic files, key chains, and other items, with these pens fashioned after Sakura’s Sealing and Star Wands being standouts.
The Cardcaptor Sakura Exhibition is going on now and runs until January 3, which is good, because with so many awesome things to choose from, it might take fans that much time to decide what to eat and buy.
Restaurant information
Sakura Cafe & Parlor
Venue: Cafe The Sun, Mori Art Center Gallery (Roppongi Hills 52nd floor) / 森アーツセンターギャラリー（六本木ヒルズ森タワー52階）
October 26-January 3
Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Website
Related: Cardcaptor Sakura Exhibition
Top image ©SoraNews24
Food photos ©SoraNews24, all other images Cardcaptor Sakura Exhibition
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